Maricopa Community Colleges • Office of the Chancellor • Community Advisory Committees • Vol. 12 • March 2015
Chancellor’s Update
Our preparations to rely less on state funding predate this budget as years ago we observed state investments in higher education steadily falling across the nation. In Arizona, state funding of the Maricopa Community Colleges dropped from $68.9 million in 2007 to the recommended $4.0 million for FY16. Today we are committed to and stand ready to continue expanding our operational model to include funding sources beyond state aid, tuition and taxes. As we’ve successfully done since 2007 and before, we will continue to apply entrepreneurial solutions to generate increased access and opportunities for all students.
For some time, the Maricopa Community Colleges have understood the changing nature of the state’s role in higher education funding as well as the responsibility to maximize scarce resources. So it was with great interest I read Governor Doug Ducey’s first state budget proposal amid discussion of a budget shortfall. The budget called for roughly $84 million in cuts to public higher education institutions in Arizona. Specifically for Maricopa Community Colleges, the proposed budget recommends a 50% reduction —down to $4.0 million—in state support to our operating budget and STEM education programs.
In this mix of budget reductions and the need for immediate economic solutions we see beyond the challenges and look to increased opportunities to partner with private industry and to support the governor’s goals for our economy. Today Maricopa Community Colleges is the largest provider of workforce training in Arizona. Our value to the state can be measured by an estimated $3 billion annual impact in direct and indirect economic benefits to See Update—page 2
New Board Members Take the Helm November’s Governing Board election marked the first time that candidates were chosen for two at-large Board seats, elected by voters across the entire county. And as one of the Board’s first pieces of business, two new members, both with teaching backgrounds, were elected to leadership positions.
Back row: Ms. Tracy Livingston | Mr. John Heep Mr. Alfredo Gutierrez | Mr. Dana Saar Front row: Mr. Doyle Burke | Ms. Jean McGrath Ms. Johanna Haver
Ms. Tracy Livingston, a newly-elected at-large member, was elected Board President for 2015. Ms. Johanna Haver was elected Secretary and she represents District 3, which includes Phoenix and north Phoenix.
Ms. Livingston won her seat for a four-year term. Another new Board member, John Heep, was elected to a two-year term. A fourth new member, Mrs. Jean McGrath, was elected from District 4, which encompasses northwest Maricopa County. Alfredo Gutierrez, who was chosen to fill the remaining term of a Board member who passed away, won election in District 5, southwest Maricopa County. The new members join Doyle Burke and Dana Saar, both of whom were elected two years ago. Chancellor Update New Board Members GCC Groundbreaking Greg Louganis Visits PVCC
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50th Anniversary Celebrations Bellwether Awards News Briefs Governing Board Highlights
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Community Connection provides news and information about the Maricopa Community Colleges and the Chancellor’s Community Advisory Committees to the community. Community Connection is published and distributed quarterly. To read it online, visit https://chancellor.maricopa.edu/advisory-committees